Here is the latest in the Chronicle.
And, here is the full debate in Hansard (well the order paper).
It is clear how Alan Keen voted by why on earth did he not speak in the debate? Lets see what he says to the local papers. I only hope that it is more than the usual “within the rules” etc. Please justify why the second home is needed.
I once voted for an increase in allowances for Councillors and explained to my constituents why I did so.
I think that it is reasonably well known that I have probably been the least enthusiastic about Area Committees since becoming a Councillor. It is also known that I am in a very small minority.
However, last night’s meeting was very interesting. I expected it to finish quite early because the agenda appeared small. It went on until 10pm.
The briefing from the Chief Executive of the Air Accident Investigation Bureau went down very well. An extremely technical matter but explained very well. Most of my colleagues had a much better grasp of the technical issues than me. Here is a write up from the Chronicle.
The discussion we had with the police was one of the best I have seen, where Members raised some very serious issues of ASB in their wards. Fortunately, for us in Feltham North, we are not currently having the amount of ASB as is the case in other wards, though Bedfont Lane and Frank Towell Court remains a concern. I am also concerned about the amount of young people hanging about around Hounslow Road and Feltham Park late at night.
The Borough Fire Commander was unable to attend.
The Small Grant Applications did not deliver a consensus on every application. I voted against two and abstained on one (lack of information for me). I voted against two because, on balance, my longstanding concern about focussing on racial groups (I am passionate about integration, good race relations and making it clear to all that *everybody matters*) overrode my respect for those making the applications, one of whom was a constituent. I thought that Cllr Paul Jabbal spoke very well during the discussion and made some points that would typically be made by a relatively newer Councillor (what a brilliant first year he has had).
Bowen's blog 